Exploring the Skills of Women Microentrepreneurs in the Hilly Regions of North Bengal: An Empirical Study

Abstract

Women in the hilly regions often operate small ventures to support their livelihood, and the survival of these ventures profoundly depends on the skills possessed by the owners. Given the distinct set of challenges caused by geographical isolation and limited infrastructure, understanding the skills that support women’s entrepreneurial success is crucial for formulating effective training programmes. This research seeks to identify the skills held by women microentrepreneurs operating in North Bengal’s hilly regions. Based on the data collected from women-led microenterprises, exploratory factor analysis has been employed to identify the core skill areas critical for women microentrepreneurs in the hilly regions. The skill dimensions identified were further verified using confirmatory factor analysis. The findings revealed six key dimensions reflecting how these women adapt their strategies for the survival of their ventures in a competitive business environment. By giving empirical insights into the skills of women entrepreneurs at the microenterprise level, the study has practical implications for rural development policies, particularly in laying the groundwork for focused training programmes and support mechanisms that can enhance women’s economic participation in such backward regions.